Why do drone pilots need certification?

First of all, because without certification, it’s illegal to fly drones commercially. For a video production company to offer drone video to their clients, certification is required.

Flying drones is also more complicated than you might think. Because they are unmanned aircraft, FAA regulations apply. Drone pilots must know how to:

Read weather patterns

Determine different airspace classifications

Read sectional maps

Determine temporary airspace restrictions

Obtain authorization to fly in airspace other than Class G

Use team members to increase safety

Research NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) regarding potential hazards along their flight routes

File NOTAMs to alert other pilots of our drone activity

File flight plans

Maintain flight logs and equipment documents

In addition, DigiNovations maintains liability insurance specifically related to flights of UAS (unmanned aircraft systems, or drones), which is vital for the protection of our production clients.

Why drone video?

There's a big creative payoff to including drone shots in your next video. A drone can give you big video shots that capture the grandeur of an outdoor location. But there’s so much a drone can do besides big aerial shots – it can climb up buildings, give a Glidecam-like following or leading shot, provide a hovering shot – just about any aerial shot you see in Hollywood movies, a drone can do.